FELISH,
Karen Marie
(Maiden Name: Chay)
Published by Today's News Herald on Oct. 14, 2021 -
Lake Havasu City, Arizona -
Karen Marie Felish passed peacefully on Oct. 4, 2021, surrounded by her
family. She spent the past year valiantly fighting a rare, aggressive,
and chemo-resistant form of breast cancer. At times, her treatments
caused great pain, yet she remained positive presenting a happy and
healthy attitude; in fact, many did not realize how ill she really was.
Her husband, Rick, was her soulmate and love of her life. In their 42
years of marriage, they created countless memories with family and
friends while traveling in their motorhome. She enjoyed rock-crawling,
sand-duning, desert-riding, and exploring the country. Karen was known
to out fish Rick on a regular basis, and she spent her last summer
fishing in Colorado where she made everlasting memories relaxing and
visiting with family and friends in one of her favorite towns, Dolores.
She loved and adored her grandchildren for whom she would drop anything
to bake cupcakes with and volunteer in their classrooms. Every year,
Karen insisted her family gather to bake Christmas cookies, which her
sons jokingly referred to as "torture." Christmas Torture Night became
an annual tradition filled with laughter, baking, and eating for family
and friends.
Karen is preceded by her father, Robert Chay, and brother-in-law, Gary
Felish. She is survived by her devoted husband, Rick; sons and
daughters-in-law, Ryan (Ashley) and Justin (Jenna); grandchildren,
Presley, Tessa, Etta, Josie, and Dean; mother, Dorothy Chay; brother,
Rob Chay; sister, Janice Bernaky (Chris); and dog, Nelli. She is
remembered with love by a long list of extended family and friends.
Karen's family is thankful for the compassion provided by pastor Chad
Garrison of Calvary Baptist Church and for the family of friends that
made Karen's last days as peaceful as possible.
An open house celebration of life in Karen's honor will be held on
Saturday, Oct. 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Karen and Rick's home.
Donations may be sent to Hospice of Havasu.